Valve



Patented Jan. 30, 1945 UNITED STATE S PATENT OFFICE VALVE S. Du Charme Application January 19, 1943, Serial N0. 472,809

14 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved faucet of the type generally adapted for household use and more particularly to a faucet having an improved valve mechanism. Further, the invention concerns an improved faucet valve mechanism which may be incorporated in a faucet a1: the time of manufacture, or which may be utilized to replace wem out valve mechanisms on existing faucets. These, therefore, are the general objects of the present invention.

A more speciiic object of this invention is to provide an improved faucet which will facilitate a complete shut-off of the Walzer and thus prevent leakage.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved faucet valve mechanism which may be substituted for the valve mechanisms in existing faucet structures 20 overcome worn seats and leaky conditions with a minimum amount of alteratiom to the faucet structure, and without necessitating the removal of the faucet from the water 1ine.

Another object of this invention is to provide a faucet valve mechanism which may be used for replacing worn or defective valve mechanisms in existing faucets which will require but a minimum amount of metal and yet which will have a high degree of efliciency over prolonged periods of time.

Other objects of this invention will become more apparent from the following description reference being made I:o a preferred embodiment; of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawing. The essential and novel Iea.- tures 01 the invention will be summarized in the claims.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a vertical section through my improved faucet structure; Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 1, but illustrating the valve mechanism in a different operating position; Fig. 3 is a view of my improved valve mechanism, and Fig. 4 is an illustration cf a valve operating mechanism as used with my invention and illustrating, in dotted lines, such mechanism prior to its adoption for use with the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, it will be seen that I have illustrated a faucet cf the I:ype in general household use at the present time. This faucet comprises a hollow body III provided with a horizontally extending partition Wall II which divides the faucet into an inlet passageway I2 and an outlet passageway II. Fluid flows from one passageway 120 the other through a valve port opening I5 in the partition wall II.

The body of the faucet is provided with means, such as threads I6, for coupling the faucet to a supply line. The fiow cf fiuld through the valve port I5 is controlled by a valve which is operated by a stem 2I. This stem extends through a hollow boss like formation I8 01 the body in axial alignment with the valve port opening I5. Intermediate its ends, this stem is provided with an externally threaded enlargement 22 for engagement with internal threads I9 of the body boss I8. AI; its upper end, the stem 2I is provided with an operating handle 23 and the arrangement is such that, by rotating the handle, the lower end of the stem may be moved toward or from the valve port opening I5. A packing nut 25 of the usual type engages external threads 20 of the valve body boss I8, clamping a packing rirg 26 between the upper end cf the b0dy boss and the mit; thereby preventing escape of fluid between the valve stem and body.

The present invention is particularly coucerned with an improved valve member for closing and opening the valve port I5 consequent upon the operation of the stem 2I. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, this valve member comprises an annular washer 30 of rubber or other valve sealing material. The washer is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the valve port I5 and is retained in seating engagement with the usual valve seat I'I by a coil spring 3I. At one end, this spring abuts the threaded boss formation 22 of the valve stem, and at its other end it abuts the upper face of the valve washer 30. The spring is held in axial alignment with the valve port opening by an axial protuberance 32 of the valve stem 2I which extends into the spring, while the lower end of the spring tightly encircles a reduced portion 33 of the valve Washer 30. The valve spring 3I is of such length and tension that, regardless of the position of the stem 2I, sufficient pressure is always ex erted on the washer 30 to.maintain it in com- Iaact with the valve seat4 I. The friction between the valve washer 30 and R? coacting valve seat and spring is greater than the frlction between the upper end af the spring and the enlargement 22 on the valve stem, and, therefore, the washer will not rotate when the stem is rotated to raise and lower the valve, thus insuring a tight fit at all times between the washer and the valve seat, regardless of inaccuracies in the seat itseli.

Fluid flows from the inlet passageway I2 to the outlet passageway I4 through a central opening 34 in the valve washer 3II. This flow is controlled by the position of a bal1 35 which is disposed within the coil spring 3I und. which is 01 a larger diameter than the opening 34 of the washer, and of a smaller diameter than the internal diameter 01 the coil spring 3l. In Fig. 1, the va1ve is shown in an open position wherein the ball 35 is resting upon the washer 30 by gravity. In actual operation, the faucet would, of course, be connected t:o a supply 1ine and fluid pressure through the inlet passageway I2 would raise the ba1l from its seat. When it is desired to shut 01T the flow 015 fluid, the handle is rotated to lower the protuberance 32, Fig. 2, and force the ba11 into contact with the washer, thus closing the opening 34 therein.

When the va1ve is in its c1osed position, as shoWn in Fig. 2, the sealing washer 30 is forced into engagement with its seat, not only by the pressure o! the spring 3I, but also by the action of the stem 2I on the bal1 35. This insures against fluid seepage either past the va1ve seat l'l, or through the port 34 of the washer. Inasmuch as the washer is always stationary rela tive 130 the va.1ve seat I'I, as heretofore explained, seepage due to seat inaccuracies is avoided. Llkewise, inasmuch as the shut-ofl member or sealing member comprises a sphere 35, which is freely rotatable in any direction when the faucet is open, misalignment between the sealing member and washer is avoided. It will be noted that, in my improved faucet, the sealing member 35 is never rotated relative to the washer until the sealing pressure thereon is entirely removed. This materially increases the 1ife of the faucet.

Inasmuch as my improved Iaucet; va1ve mechanism does not require a. perfect condition of the valve seat I1 in the faucet body, the valve mechanism is we11 adapted for use in existing faucets wherein the valve seat l'l has become pitted or worn. In Fig. 4. I have illustrated, in ful1 1ines, the va1ve stem as used in this invention, and in dotted lines the va1ve stem as used in present faucet structures. Thus it will be seen that to adapt present taucet structures for the use of my improved valve mechanism, one need only to sever the lower portion of the stem as indicated by the fu11 1ine 40, eliminating that portion shown enclosed in dotted 1ines from the structure. The length of the portion to be removed 1s readily determined inasmuch as the distance between the va1ve seat and the lower end 40 cf the stem required for the operation of my valve is a. predetermined distance. I anticipate that on some faucets the stem enlargement 22 may have to be shortened to provide suflicient clearance for the opening of the valve closing member 35, but; this ma.y be readily accomplished merely by removing the valve stem 1'rom the faucet and cutting 112 down by a suitable power driven too1.

My improved valve mechanism, namely the valve washer 30, the spring 3I und the valve member or ba11 35, is preferable made as a self-contained unit. "AS heretofore mentioned, the 1ower end of the spring 3l is attached to the washer 30 and the ba11 is positioned within the spring. T retain the ba.]l within the assembly whether or not the assembly is in a faucet, I reduce the uppermost coil 36 01 the spring to a diameter smaller than that 01 the ba1l, as shown in Fig. 3. Accordingly, I greatly facilitate assembly 01 faucets a.nd also enable the provision 01 a. Single unit, for use as a replacement. in existing faucet structures.

I claim:

1. In a. faucet; o! the dass described, a faucet body having an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway separated by a partition having a.

port extending therethrough means m control the flow 015 fluid through said port comprising an annular washer of a, greater extemal diameter than the diameter of the port, means to retain the washer in contact; with the partition wall surrounding said port, means to control the flow 01 fluid through said port comprising a, spherical member having a diameter greater than the internal diameter of said annular washer, and means to selectively force said member into coutact with said washer to stop the flow of fluid therethrough, and wherein said retaining means, said washer and said spherical member are coustructed and arranged to be removed as a unit from said body.

2. In a. faucet 01 the class described, a faucet body having an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway separated by a partition having a port extending therethrough, means to control the flow 01 fluid through said port comprising a port covering member having an opening therethrough, means to control the flow of fluid through said opening and comprising a. valve member having a diameter greater than the intemal diameter cf the opening, means positively engaging said va1ve member to selectively force said valve member into contact with said port closing member to close the opening and force said port covering member into engagement with said partition Wall, retaining means to retain said port closing member in contact with said wall when said valve member moves out of ansagement with said port closing member, and wherein said retaining means, said port covering mem- 30 bei, and said valve member are constructed and arranged to be removed as a unit from said body. 3. In a faucet, a. hollow body having an inlet and an outlet separated by a partitiou wall provided with a port means 'oo control the flow of' 40 fluid through said port, said means comprising a washer having an outer diameter greater than that o! said pOrt and having an opening in substantial alignment with said poxt, resilient means to retain said washer in contact with said partition adjacent the opening therein, and in substantial alignment with said port, a. ball adapted to close the opening in said washer, positive acting means to selectively force said ball into engagement with said washer to close the opening therethrough and simultaneously increase the pressure of the washer against said partition.

4. In a faucet, a. hollow' body having an inlet and an outlet separated by a partition wa11 provided with a port, means to control the flow of fluid through said port, said means comprising a washer to close said port but having an opening therethrough smaller than said port, means to retain said washer in contact with said partition with its opening in substantial alignment with said port, a ball adapted to close the opening in said washer positive acting means selectively force said ball into engagement with said washer to close the opening therethrough and simultaneously increase the pressure o1 the washer against said partition, ana wherein said washer, said retaining means and said ba1l are removable as a. unit from said body.

5. In a. faucet of the class described, a faucet body having an inlet passageway und an outlet passageway separated by a partition having a port extending therethrough. means to control the flow of fluid through said port comprising a compressible washer of a greater external diameter than the port positioned 0n the outlet side of said Partition and in substantial alignment with Search Roon said port, a coil spring 170 retain the washer in contact with the partition, a valve member to control. the flow of fluid through said washer, and a valve stem threadingly mounted in said body to selectively force said valve member into contact with said washer to stop the flow of fluid therethrough consequent upon. rotation of said stem, and to simultaneously increase the pressure of said coil spring on said washer.

6. In a. faucet, a hollow body having an inlet and an outlet separated by a. wal1 provided with a port, a washer having a diameter of greater size than that of said port and having an opening therethrough resilient means to retain said washer in contact with said wall with its opening in substantial' alignment with said port, a ball adapted to close the opening in said washer, positive acting means to selectively force said ball into engagement with said washer to close the opening therethrough and simultaneously increase the pressure of said resilient means on said washer.

7. In a, faucet, a. hollow body having a. fluid inlet and a fluid outlet separated by a ported partition Wall, means to control the flow of fluid through said port, said means comprising a washer of an external diameter greater than the diameter of said port and having an opening extending therethrough, a ball having a diameter greater than that of the opening in said washer, and adapted and arranged to close the opening, actuating means in axial alignment with said opening and movable to and from said ball to positively force said ball into contact with said washer, resilient means mounted an said washer and interposed between said actuating means and. said washer to retain said washer seated on said partition, said resilient means comprising a coil spring encircling said ball and so arranged as to retain said bal1 within the confines of said spring.

8. In a faucet, a hollow body having a. fluid inlei; passageway and a fluid outlet passageway separated by a. partition wall having a port communication with the passageways, means to cantroi the flow of fluid through said port, said means comprising an annular ring having an external diameter greater than the external diameter of said port, a bal1 having a, diameter greater than that of the internal diameter of said ring, an operating member carried by said hollow body in axial alignment with said port and ring, said member being movable into contact with said ball to positively force said ball into contact with said ring and thereby prevent the flow of fluid through said ring, a coil spring having one end mounted on said washer, the other end abutting said operating member to retain said washer seated on said partition Wall, said ball being freely movable in said spring when the operating member is moved to a withdrawn position and being so restricted a.t ii;s open end as 120 retain said ball within the confines of said spring.

9. In a faucet, a hollow body having an inlet and an outlet separated by a wall provided with a. port, a washer having a diameter greater than that of said port and having an opening therethrough, a bail adapted to close the opening in said washer, turnable means to move said ball into a closing posltion, and means interposed between said turnable means and said washer to resiliently retain said washer in contact with said Wall with its opening in substantial alisnment with said port, said means and washer being arranged and adapted permit; turning of said turnable means and at the same time prevent turning of said washer.

10. In a. faucet, a hollow body having an inlet and an outlet separated by a wall provided with a port, a washer positionecl on the outlet side cf said Wall with its axis in substantial alignment with said port, said washer being larger than said port and having an axial opening extending therethrough, a ball to selectively close the opening in said washer, turnable means carried by said body in axial alignment with said port to force said ba1l into a, closing position, coil spring interposed between said means and said washer to retain the washer in contact with said wall, and means carried by said turnable means to retain said spring in substantial axial alignment with said port.

11. In a faucet, a. hollow body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet separated by a partition wall having a port extending therethrough, means to control the flow of fiuid through said port, said means comprising a, washer cf an external diameter greater than the diameter of said port and having an opening extending therethrough, a sphere having a diameter greater than that. of the opening in said washer, and adapted and arranged to close such opening, rota.table actuating means m axial alignment with said opening and movable to and from said sphere 110 positively force said sphere into contact with said washer, resilient means mounted on said washer and interposed between said actuating means and said washer to retain said washer seated an said partition, and wherein the friction between said actuating means and said resilient means is less than the friction between said washer and either said resilient means or said Wall, whereby said washer remains stationary regardless of the rotation of said operating means.

12. A valve mechanism for a, faucet, comprising a coil spring, an annular ring mounted in one end of said coi1, a ball within said coil having a diameter greater than the internal diameter of said ring and smaller than the internal diameter of said coil, and means to retain the ball within said coi1.

13. A va1ve mechanism for a faucet comprising a coil spring having a. restricted diameter at one end thereof, a washer having an opening therein carried by the other end of said spring, and a. ball within said spring to close the opening in said washer, the diameter of said ball being greater than the intemal diameter of either the open end of said spring or the opening in said washer.

14. A self-contained valve mechanism for a faucet or the like, comprising an annular memher of resilient material and having an axial opening extending therethrough, one end of said mem- Der having a reduced diameter providing a. shoulder extending normal to the axis of the member, a coi1 spring carried by said reduced portion and having one end abutting said shoulder, said spring extending upwardly above the upper face of said member and having its uppermost coil restricted in diameter, and a sphere within said spring 01 a diameter greater than the internal diameters of the open end thereot or the opening in said member and movable axially into and out 01 position to close said opening.

WILLIAM S. DU CHARME. 

